Let every man be master of his time Till seven at night; to make society 40 The sweeter welcome, we will keep ourself Till supper-time alone: while then, God be with you! Sirrah, a word with you: attend those men our pleasure? [Exeunt LADY MACBETH, Lords, Ladies, &c. Macb. Bring them before us. [Exit Attendant.]-To be thus, is nothing; 45 But to be safely thus :-our fears in Banquo Stick deep; and in his royalty of nature Reigns that which would be fear'd: 'tis much he dares ; And, to that dauntless temper of his mind, He hath a wisdom that doth guide his valour 50 To act in safety. There is none but he Whose being I do fear and under him My Genius is rebuk'd; as, it is said, Mark Antony's was by Cæsar. He chid the sisters, 55 And bade them speak to him; then, prophet-like, Thence to be wrench'd with an unlineal hand, 60 For them the gracious Duncan have I murder'd: To make them kings, the seed of Banquo kings! And champion me to the utterance !-Who's there ?— 65 Re-enter Attendant, with two Murderers. Now go to the door, and stay there till we call [Exit Attendant. Was it not yesterday we spoke together? Well then, now Have you consider'd of my speeches? Know, In our last conference; pass'd in probation with you, Say, 'Thus did Banquo.' First Mur. 70 75 80 You made it known to us. Macb. I did so; and went further, which is now First Mur. We are men, my liege. As hounds, and greyhounds, mongrels, spaniels, curs, That writes them all alike: and so of men. Not in the worst rank of manhood, say it; Second Mur. 100 Whom the vile blows and buffets of the world Have so incens'd, that I am reckless what I do to spite the world. So weary with disasters, tugg'd with fortune, To mend it, or be rid on 't. True, my lord. Know Banquo was your enemy. Second Mur. Macb. So is he mine; and in such bloody distance, That every minute of his being thrusts Against my near'st of life: and though I could Second Mur. Perform what you command us. First Mur. 110 115 120 We shall, my lord, Though our lives Within this hour at 125 Macb. Your spirits shine through you. most, I will advise you where to plant yourselves. And something from the palace; always thought Than is his father's, must embrace the fate Second Mur. We are resolv'd, my lord. Macb. I'll call upon you straight; abide within. It is concluded:-Banquo, thy soul's flight, 130 135 [Exeunt Murderers. 139 [Exit. SCENE II.-The same. Another Room in the Palace. Enter LADY MACBETH and a Servant. Lady M. Is Banquo gone from court? Serv. Ay, madam, but returns again to-night. Lady M. Say to the king, I would attend his leisure For a few words. Serv. Lady M. Madam, I will. [Exit. Nought's had, all's spent, 5 Where our desire is got without content : 'Tis safer to be that which we destroy, Enter MACBETH. How now, my lord? why do you keep alone, Of sorriest fancies your companions making? Using those thoughts which should indeed have died 10 With them they think on? Things without all remedy Macb. We have scotch'd the snake, not kill'd it; She'll close, and be herself; whilst our poor malice Remains in danger of her former tooth. 15 But let the frame of things disjoint, both the worlds suffer, In the affliction of these terrible dreams, That shake us nightly: better be with the dead, In restless ecstasy. Duncan is in his grave; Treason has done his worst: nor steel, nor poison, Can touch him further. Lady M. Come on; Gentle my lord, sleek o'er your rugged looks; Macb. So shall I, love; and so, I pray, be you: Must lave our honours in these flattering streams; Disguising what they are. Lady M. You must leave this. Macb. O, full of scorpions is my mind, dear wife! Thou know'st that Banquo, and his Fleance, lives. Lady M. But in them nature's copy's not eterne. Macb. There's comfort yet; they are assailable; Then be thou jocund: ere the bat hath flown 40 His cloister'd flight; ere, to black Hecate's summons, Lady M. What's to be done? 45 Macb. Be innocent of the knowledge, dearest chuck, |